Myanmar's Killing Fields (2018) Movie Script
1
NARRATOR: Tonight on
Frontline, Nobel Laureate, Aung
San Suu Kyi, was seen as
Frontline, Nobel Laureate, Aung
San Suu Kyi, was seen as
Myanmar's hope.
San Suu Kyi, was seen as
Myanmar's hope.
I understand that many of our
Myanmar's hope.
I understand that many of our
friends throughout the world are
I understand that many of our
friends throughout the world are
concerned by reports of villages
friends throughout the world are
concerned by reports of villages
being burned.
concerned by reports of villages
being burned.
NARRATOR: Now, she's accused
being burned.
NARRATOR: Now, she's accused
of standing by as the army waged
NARRATOR: Now, she's accused
of standing by as the army waged
a violent campaign against the
of standing by as the army waged
a violent campaign against the
Rohingya minority.
a violent campaign against the
Rohingya minority.
They are being massacred.
Rohingya minority.
They are being massacred.
She is walling herself off from
They are being massacred.
She is walling herself off from
reality.
She is walling herself off from
reality.
NARRATOR: And keeping the
reality.
NARRATOR: And keeping the
United Nations out.
NARRATOR: And keeping the
United Nations out.
She was saying these were all
United Nations out.
She was saying these were all
made up stories.
She was saying these were all
made up stories.
I couldn't believe my ears and I
made up stories.
I couldn't believe my ears and I
thought to myself,
I couldn't believe my ears and I
thought to myself,
you must be kidding me?
thought to myself,
you must be kidding me?
NARRATOR: With secret
you must be kidding me?
NARRATOR: With secret
footage, and eyewitnesses.
NARRATOR: With secret
footage, and eyewitnesses.
Just 15 minutes ago, brutal
footage, and eyewitnesses.
Just 15 minutes ago, brutal
military came and set fire to
Just 15 minutes ago, brutal
military came and set fire to
the village.
military came and set fire to
the village.
NARRATOR: Frontline
the village.
NARRATOR: Frontline
investigates...
NARRATOR: Frontline
investigates...
This was a textbook case of
investigates...
This was a textbook case of
ethnic cleansing.
This was a textbook case of
ethnic cleansing.
NARRATOR: Myanmar's Killing
ethnic cleansing.
NARRATOR: Myanmar's Killing
Fields."
NARRATOR: Cox's Bazar,
Bangladesh.
This is the largest refugee camp
Bangladesh.
This is the largest refugee camp
in the world.
This is the largest refugee camp
in the world.
Reporter Evan Williams has come
in the world.
Reporter Evan Williams has come
here to investigate a campaign
Reporter Evan Williams has come
here to investigate a campaign
by the Myanmar military that has
here to investigate a campaign
by the Myanmar military that has
driven hundreds of thousands of
by the Myanmar military that has
driven hundreds of thousands of
Rohingya Muslims from their
driven hundreds of thousands of
Rohingya Muslims from their
homes.
WILLIAMS: So arriving in the
camps, it's really hard to
camps, it's really hard to
convey the sheer scale of this
convey the sheer scale of this
crisis.
crisis.
We've been walking through this
We've been walking through this
main camp for about ten
main camp for about ten
minutes, it seems to go on and
minutes, it seems to go on and
on.
Everywhere you look, there are
more tents, more families, just
ridge after ridge of shelters
more tents, more families, just
ridge after ridge of shelters
for these refugees.
ridge after ridge of shelters
for these refugees.
(people talking in background)
for these refugees.
(people talking in background)
NARRATOR: The mass exodus of
(people talking in background)
NARRATOR: The mass exodus of
the Rohingyas became world news
NARRATOR: The mass exodus of
the Rohingyas became world news
in August 2017.
But the military's campaign
against them in fact began years
earlier.
against them in fact began years
earlier.
Since 2012, a small network of
earlier.
Since 2012, a small network of
citizen activists has been
Since 2012, a small network of
citizen activists has been
secretly filming the reality of
citizen activists has been
secretly filming the reality of
life for the Rohingyas in
secretly filming the reality of
life for the Rohingyas in
Myanmar.
life for the Rohingyas in
Myanmar.
We've been given hundreds of
Myanmar.
We've been given hundreds of
their videos, some by an
We've been given hundreds of
their videos, some by an
international human rights group
their videos, some by an
international human rights group
that helped train them.
international human rights group
that helped train them.
No one from the network has ever
that helped train them.
No one from the network has ever
been interviewed on camera, but
No one from the network has ever
been interviewed on camera, but
one agreed if we
been interviewed on camera, but
one agreed if we
protected his identity.
one agreed if we
protected his identity.
He uses the codename "Sabo."
SABO (in foreign language):
(speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: "Frontline" spent
six months trying to corroborate
the footage and
six months trying to corroborate
the footage and
other videos we gathered...
NARRATOR: ...interviewing
scores of witnesses...
(speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR:...comparing their
accounts, and cross-checking
them with human rights
accounts, and cross-checking
them with human rights
investigators.
them with human rights
investigators.
WILLIAMS: How many patches of
investigators.
WILLIAMS: How many patches of
blood like this did you see?
WILLIAMS: How many patches of
blood like this did you see?
NARRATOR: The Myanmar
blood like this did you see?
NARRATOR: The Myanmar
military denies abuses and says
NARRATOR: The Myanmar
military denies abuses and says
it has been fighting Islamic
military denies abuses and says
it has been fighting Islamic
terrorists.
(speaking foreign language)
(weeping)
NARRATOR: But the videos and
eyewitness accounts depict an
NARRATOR: But the videos and
eyewitness accounts depict an
orchestrated effort to target
eyewitness accounts depict an
orchestrated effort to target
civilians.
orchestrated effort to target
civilians.
Systematic discrimination,
civilians.
Systematic discrimination,
state-sanctioned violence, and
Systematic discrimination,
state-sanctioned violence, and
ultimately, mass murder.
(woman sobbing)
SABO:
(people talking in background)
NARRATOR: Muslim Rohingyas
have been living in Myanmar's
NARRATOR: Muslim Rohingyas
have been living in Myanmar's
Rakhine State for generations.
have been living in Myanmar's
Rakhine State for generations.
But the government views them
Rakhine State for generations.
But the government views them
as illegal immigrants from
But the government views them
as illegal immigrants from
neighboring Bangladesh.
as illegal immigrants from
neighboring Bangladesh.
In 2012, violence erupted
neighboring Bangladesh.
In 2012, violence erupted
between the Muslim Rohingyas and
In 2012, violence erupted
between the Muslim Rohingyas and
the Buddhist Rakhines, the
between the Muslim Rohingyas and
the Buddhist Rakhines, the
majority ethnic group in the
the Buddhist Rakhines, the
majority ethnic group in the
region.
In response, the government
confined 120,000 Rohingyas to
ghettos and camps, and then
confined 120,000 Rohingyas to
ghettos and camps, and then
began to impose restrictions on
ghettos and camps, and then
began to impose restrictions on
all aspects of Rohingya life.
began to impose restrictions on
all aspects of Rohingya life.
The videos we received from
all aspects of Rohingya life.
The videos we received from
Sabo's network show shuttered
The videos we received from
Sabo's network show shuttered
mosques and religious schools.
Sabo's network show shuttered
mosques and religious schools.
And police checkpoints where
mosques and religious schools.
And police checkpoints where
Sabo says Rohingyas could not
And police checkpoints where
Sabo says Rohingyas could not
pass without written permission
Sabo says Rohingyas could not
pass without written permission
or payment.
SABO:
NARRATOR: For more than 50
years, Myanmar was ruled by a
repressive military
years, Myanmar was ruled by a
repressive military
dictatorship, notorious for
repressive military
dictatorship, notorious for
human rights abuses, and subject
dictatorship, notorious for
human rights abuses, and subject
to sanctions by the United
human rights abuses, and subject
to sanctions by the United
States and other Western
to sanctions by the United
States and other Western
countries.
States and other Western
countries.
But by 2015, that was changing.
In the country's first free
elections for decades, long-time
democracy activist Aung San Suu
elections for decades, long-time
democracy activist Aung San Suu
Kyi won a landslide victory.
democracy activist Aung San Suu
Kyi won a landslide victory.
Although she had limited power,
Kyi won a landslide victory.
Although she had limited power,
with no effective control of the
Although she had limited power,
with no effective control of the
army, it was seen as a new dawn
with no effective control of the
army, it was seen as a new dawn
for Myanmar.
army, it was seen as a new dawn
for Myanmar.
There was a feeling of great
for Myanmar.
There was a feeling of great
anticipation and a feeling that
There was a feeling of great
anticipation and a feeling that
she would be this transformative
anticipation and a feeling that
she would be this transformative
figure.
We knew that there were
constitutional limitations in
constitutional limitations in
terms of what she could do, but
terms of what she could do, but
she had enormous international
she had enormous international
standing and good will on her
standing and good will on her
side.
(people speaking quietly)
(speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: Myanmar's new
leader soon faced a crisis-- a
Rohingya insurgency in Rakhine
leader soon faced a crisis-- a
Rohingya insurgency in Rakhine
State.
Rohingya insurgency in Rakhine
State.
In October 2016, a previously
State.
In October 2016, a previously
unknown militant group calling
In October 2016, a previously
unknown militant group calling
itself the Arakan Rohingya
unknown militant group calling
itself the Arakan Rohingya
Salvation Army-- or ARSA--
itself the Arakan Rohingya
Salvation Army-- or ARSA--
claimed responsibility for
Salvation Army-- or ARSA--
claimed responsibility for
attacks on three police posts
claimed responsibility for
attacks on three police posts
which killed nine border
attacks on three police posts
which killed nine border
officers.
which killed nine border
officers.
What we know about ARSA is
officers.
What we know about ARSA is
that they are not well-armed,
What we know about ARSA is
that they are not well-armed,
they were mobilizing villagers
that they are not well-armed,
they were mobilizing villagers
to attack police stations,
they were mobilizing villagers
to attack police stations,
checkpoints.
I think they felt in part in
response to the kinds of
response to the kinds of
restrictions that made their
restrictions that made their
daily lives such a misery, that
daily lives such a misery, that
we're going to strike back.
NARRATOR: Aung San Suu Kyi
pledged that her government's
response to the attacks would be
pledged that her government's
response to the attacks would be
measured.
response to the attacks would be
measured.
Adhering to the principle of
measured.
Adhering to the principle of
justice that everybody must be
Adhering to the principle of
justice that everybody must be
considered innocent until proven
justice that everybody must be
considered innocent until proven
guilty, we have not accused any
considered innocent until proven
guilty, we have not accused any
particular organization or
guilty, we have not accused any
particular organization or
group.
NARRATOR: But the military
began a crackdown across
northern Rakhine.
began a crackdown across
northern Rakhine.
Within days, the security
northern Rakhine.
Within days, the security
services were sweeping through
Within days, the security
services were sweeping through
Rohingya villages looking for
services were sweeping through
Rohingya villages looking for
fighters hiding among the
Rohingya villages looking for
fighters hiding among the
population.
fighters hiding among the
population.
On November 5, they entered
population.
On November 5, they entered
the village of Koh Tan Kauk.
(speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: One of the officers
filmed the operation on his
phone as they rounded up dozens
filmed the operation on his
phone as they rounded up dozens
of men.
In the refugee camps in
Bangladesh, we found the man
being beaten in the video-- Nur
Bangladesh, we found the man
being beaten in the video-- Nur
Bashar.
being beaten in the video-- Nur
Bashar.
WILLIAMS: That's you
Bashar.
WILLIAMS: That's you
they're hitting?
BASHAR:
SOLDIER:
NARRATOR: Witnesses from Koh
Tan Kauk told us that the police
arrested four men from the
Tan Kauk told us that the police
arrested four men from the
village with no connection to
arrested four men from the
village with no connection to
the militants and they were
village with no connection to
the militants and they were
never seen again.
the militants and they were
never seen again.
When this video later surfaced
never seen again.
When this video later surfaced
on the internet, three officers,
When this video later surfaced
on the internet, three officers,
including the one who filmed it,
on the internet, three officers,
including the one who filmed it,
were sentenced to two months in
including the one who filmed it,
were sentenced to two months in
jail.
were sentenced to two months in
jail.
But the crackdown didn't end
jail.
But the crackdown didn't end
there.
But the crackdown didn't end
there.
Days later, soldiers swept
there.
Days later, soldiers swept
through the village of Dar Gyi
Days later, soldiers swept
through the village of Dar Gyi
Zar.
through the village of Dar Gyi
Zar.
The military says the village
Zar.
The military says the village
was harboring ARSA insurgents.
(men speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: Rahman Ullah and
Nurul Islam lived in the
village.
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: A few days later,
survivors returned to the
village.
survivors returned to the
village.
One of them was filming.
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: We played this
video to several survivors we
found in the refugee camps.
video to several survivors we
found in the refugee camps.
They said it shows the aftermath
found in the refugee camps.
They said it shows the aftermath
of the army's attack on their
They said it shows the aftermath
of the army's attack on their
village.
of the army's attack on their
village.
Their accounts match reports by
village.
Their accounts match reports by
human rights groups who also
Their accounts match reports by
human rights groups who also
investigated the killings.
human rights groups who also
investigated the killings.
The survivors told us more than
investigated the killings.
The survivors told us more than
170 people were killed here.
The survivors told us more than
170 people were killed here.
Many of the bodies were burned.
(man speaking foreign language)
(man speaking foreign language)
(weeping)
NARRATOR: The massacre at Dar
Gyi Zar took place in November
2016, almost a year before the
Gyi Zar took place in November
2016, almost a year before the
Rohingya exodus became world
2016, almost a year before the
Rohingya exodus became world
news.
Rohingya exodus became world
news.
Activists from Northern Rakhine
news.
Activists from Northern Rakhine
distributed video of residents
Activists from Northern Rakhine
distributed video of residents
fleeing multiple villages
distributed video of residents
fleeing multiple villages
at this time.
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: The activists say
this video was filmed in the
village of Sin Thay Pyin on
this video was filmed in the
village of Sin Thay Pyin on
November 25.
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: Residents are
warning each other to flee the
army, and then gunfire is heard.
warning each other to flee the
army, and then gunfire is heard.
(gunshot)
By December 2016, an estimated
90,000 Rohingyas were trying to
escape the violence.
When the refugees started to
arrive in neighboring
Bangladesh, investigators from
arrive in neighboring
Bangladesh, investigators from
the UN Human Rights office
Bangladesh, investigators from
the UN Human Rights office
began collecting their
the UN Human Rights office
began collecting their
testimony.
began collecting their
testimony.
Even by the standards that
testimony.
Even by the standards that
we are used to seeing, this was
Even by the standards that
we are used to seeing, this was
absolutely shocking stuff,
we are used to seeing, this was
absolutely shocking stuff,
I mean absolutely shocking.
And I remember thinking how
children were hunted down aged
children were hunted down aged
five or six and had their
five or six and had their
throats slit, and thinking,
throats slit, and thinking,
"Well, this is ISIS-like stuff."
NARRATOR: He decided to
call Aung San Suu Kyi.
I said, "You have moral
call Aung San Suu Kyi.
I said, "You have moral
standing in the country, we
I said, "You have moral
standing in the country, we
need to stop this right away,
standing in the country, we
need to stop this right away,
you have to stop this.
need to stop this right away,
you have to stop this.
Why don't you let us in, why
you have to stop this.
Why don't you let us in, why
don't you let international
Why don't you let us in, why
don't you let international
journalists in, what are you
don't you let international
journalists in, what are you
hiding?"
journalists in, what are you
hiding?"
She said something along the
hiding?"
She said something along the
lines that, you know, that we
She said something along the
lines that, you know, that we
needed to share more evidence
lines that, you know, that we
needed to share more evidence
with her.
needed to share more evidence
with her.
NARRATOR: To get more
with her.
NARRATOR: To get more
evidence, the United Nations
NARRATOR: To get more
evidence, the United Nations
needed their investigators
evidence, the United Nations
needed their investigators
to visit Northern Rakhine.
needed their investigators
to visit Northern Rakhine.
But when the UN passed a
to visit Northern Rakhine.
But when the UN passed a
resolution to send a fact-
But when the UN passed a
resolution to send a fact-
finding mission to Myanmar, Aung
resolution to send a fact-
finding mission to Myanmar, Aung
San Suu Kyi refused to give them
finding mission to Myanmar, Aung
San Suu Kyi refused to give them
access-- arguing that outside
San Suu Kyi refused to give them
access-- arguing that outside
scrutiny would worsen tensions.
access-- arguing that outside
scrutiny would worsen tensions.
We do not agree with it, we
scrutiny would worsen tensions.
We do not agree with it, we
have dissociated ourselves from
We do not agree with it, we
have dissociated ourselves from
the resolution, because we do
have dissociated ourselves from
the resolution, because we do
not think that the resolution is
the resolution, because we do
not think that the resolution is
in keeping with what is actually
not think that the resolution is
in keeping with what is actually
happening on the ground.
in keeping with what is actually
happening on the ground.
It was disappointing, hugely
happening on the ground.
It was disappointing, hugely
disappointing.
It was disappointing, hugely
disappointing.
The impression that she was
disappointing.
The impression that she was
going to be this transformative
The impression that she was
going to be this transformative
figure sort of was slowly
going to be this transformative
figure sort of was slowly
beginning to erode-- well, not
figure sort of was slowly
beginning to erode-- well, not
slowly but quite dramatically.
NARRATOR: Aung San Suu Kyi's
government had also prevented
government had also prevented
journalists from traveling
journalists from traveling
freely in northern Rakhine--
freely in northern Rakhine--
making it difficult for anyone
making it difficult for anyone
to verify the allegations
to verify the allegations
against the military.
But using satellite images,
human rights researchers
concluded that dozens of
human rights researchers
concluded that dozens of
Rohingya villages had been
concluded that dozens of
Rohingya villages had been
burned and more than 1,500
Rohingya villages had been
burned and more than 1,500
buildings destroyed.
burned and more than 1,500
buildings destroyed.
They tried to raise the alarm.
I remember very clearly
meeting with key ambassadors to
meeting with key ambassadors to
talk about what is going on
talk about what is going on
there.
there.
To say, "Look, you know, this is
To say, "Look, you know, this is
not only ethnic cleansing, but
not only ethnic cleansing, but
this is also crimes against
this is also crimes against
humanity, there has to be
humanity, there has to be
international accountability."
But the problem was, it was
almost like there was a
groupthink that had taken over.
almost like there was a
groupthink that had taken over.
And they're all talking to each
groupthink that had taken over.
And they're all talking to each
other, and all persuading each
And they're all talking to each
other, and all persuading each
other that Aung San Suu Kyi was
other, and all persuading each
other that Aung San Suu Kyi was
a saint, and somehow if she
other that Aung San Suu Kyi was
a saint, and somehow if she
really knew the real situation
a saint, and somehow if she
really knew the real situation
she would finally speak up.
really knew the real situation
she would finally speak up.
But, you know, we can't really
she would finally speak up.
But, you know, we can't really
pressure her too much, because
But, you know, we can't really
pressure her too much, because
if we do so, we'll destabilize
pressure her too much, because
if we do so, we'll destabilize
her government and the Myanmar
if we do so, we'll destabilize
her government and the Myanmar
military will take over.
her government and the Myanmar
military will take over.
So as far as the Myanmar
military will take over.
So as far as the Myanmar
military is concerned, the
So as far as the Myanmar
military is concerned, the
lesson is that you can use
military is concerned, the
lesson is that you can use
violence against the Rohingya
lesson is that you can use
violence against the Rohingya
and get away with it.
violence against the Rohingya
and get away with it.
(horns beeping, cars running)
and get away with it.
(horns beeping, cars running)
NARRATOR: The army's
(horns beeping, cars running)
NARRATOR: The army's
crackdown was popular
NARRATOR: The army's
crackdown was popular
among Myanmar's powerful
crackdown was popular
among Myanmar's powerful
Buddhist nationalists, who have
among Myanmar's powerful
Buddhist nationalists, who have
long seen the Rohingyas
Buddhist nationalists, who have
long seen the Rohingyas
as illegal Muslim
long seen the Rohingyas
as illegal Muslim
immigrants.
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: By June 2017
the authorities were stepping up
NARRATOR: By June 2017
the authorities were stepping up
a program forcing Rohingyas
the authorities were stepping up
a program forcing Rohingyas
to register with the government.
a program forcing Rohingyas
to register with the government.
This footage shows villagers
to register with the government.
This footage shows villagers
being ordered to apply for a new
This footage shows villagers
being ordered to apply for a new
identity document called the
being ordered to apply for a new
identity document called the
NVC.
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: The government said
it was to help determine their
citizenship.
it was to help determine their
citizenship.
The Rohingyas feared it was a
citizenship.
The Rohingyas feared it was a
ploy to classify them as illegal
The Rohingyas feared it was a
ploy to classify them as illegal
Bengali immigrants.
ploy to classify them as illegal
Bengali immigrants.
In the video, one villager
Bengali immigrants.
In the video, one villager
speaks out.
(man speaking foreign language)
(baby crying)
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: Rashan Ali was from
the village of Chut Pyin.
ALI:
NARRATOR: The Myanmar
military now began amassing
NARRATOR: The Myanmar
military now began amassing
troops in northern Rakhine.
In early August 2017, soldiers
from two divisions were deployed
to the region.
from two divisions were deployed
to the region.
One of them was the 33rd Light
to the region.
One of them was the 33rd Light
Infantry-- assault troops
One of them was the 33rd Light
Infantry-- assault troops
notorious for human rights
Infantry-- assault troops
notorious for human rights
abuses.
notorious for human rights
abuses.
Rohingya leaders from the
abuses.
Rohingya leaders from the
village of Chut Pyin say a
Rohingya leaders from the
village of Chut Pyin say a
commander summoned them
village of Chut Pyin say a
commander summoned them
and delivered an ultimatum.
commander summoned them
and delivered an ultimatum.
Ahmed Hussain was one of
and delivered an ultimatum.
Ahmed Hussain was one of
those village leaders.
HUSSAIN:
NARRATOR: Rohingyas from many
villages told us military
commanders were delivering
villages told us military
commanders were delivering
identical threats across
commanders were delivering
identical threats across
northern Rakhine in early August
identical threats across
northern Rakhine in early August
As tensions were rising that
summer, the United Nations'
special rapporteur on Myanmar
summer, the United Nations'
special rapporteur on Myanmar
was given access to the country.
special rapporteur on Myanmar
was given access to the country.
She had already spoken out about
was given access to the country.
She had already spoken out about
the need to protect the
She had already spoken out about
the need to protect the
Rohingyas from persecution,
the need to protect the
Rohingyas from persecution,
causing angry protests by
Rohingyas from persecution,
causing angry protests by
Buddhist nationalists.
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: In Rohingya
villages, she was forced to
travel with military and
villages, she was forced to
travel with military and
government minders.
I talked to the villagers,
but they were very scared.
but they were very scared.
So many of them are scared to
So many of them are scared to
speak with foreigners or outside
speak with foreigners or outside
people because of fear of
people because of fear of
retaliation, of reprisal.
NARRATOR: She met with Aung
San Suu Kyi and confronted her
with accounts of Rohingyas being
San Suu Kyi and confronted her
with accounts of Rohingyas being
killed.
with accounts of Rohingyas being
killed.
Until now, Yanghee Lee has not
killed.
Until now, Yanghee Lee has not
spoken about what happened next.
Until now, Yanghee Lee has not
spoken about what happened next.
She was becoming very, very
spoken about what happened next.
She was becoming very, very
defensive and she was saying
She was becoming very, very
defensive and she was saying
that these were all made-up
defensive and she was saying
that these were all made-up
stories.
that these were all made-up
stories.
UN is so one-sided, they're not
stories.
UN is so one-sided, they're not
helping the situation.
UN is so one-sided, they're not
helping the situation.
I said, you know, that I need
helping the situation.
I said, you know, that I need
more access and I would really
I said, you know, that I need
more access and I would really
need your support in getting
more access and I would really
need your support in getting
access.
need your support in getting
access.
And she looked at me and she
access.
And she looked at me and she
said, "If you continue the
And she looked at me and she
said, "If you continue the
narrative of the UN, you know,
said, "If you continue the
narrative of the UN, you know,
you might not get that access."
narrative of the UN, you know,
you might not get that access."
And I stopped and I thought, I
you might not get that access."
And I stopped and I thought, I
couldn't believe my ears and I
And I stopped and I thought, I
couldn't believe my ears and I
thought to myself she must be
couldn't believe my ears and I
thought to myself she must be
kidding me.
NARRATOR: Yanghee Lee was
subsequently accused of bias by
the Myanmar government and
subsequently accused of bias by
the Myanmar government and
banned from the country.
the Myanmar government and
banned from the country.
It was a political decision
banned from the country.
It was a political decision
she made.
It was a political decision
she made.
She is a politician, and the
she made.
She is a politician, and the
general sentiment in Myanmar is
She is a politician, and the
general sentiment in Myanmar is
not favorable to the Rohingyas.
(chanting in foreign language)
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: On August 25,
2017, Rohingya ARSA militants
backed by villagers
2017, Rohingya ARSA militants
backed by villagers
attacked 30 police posts and an
backed by villagers
attacked 30 police posts and an
army base in northern Rakhine.
attacked 30 police posts and an
army base in northern Rakhine.
(chanting in foreign language)
The Myanmar government said
that 11 policemen and an
immigration officer were killed.
In the days that followed,
soldiers swept into the villages
nearest the attacks.
soldiers swept into the villages
nearest the attacks.
Just 15 minutes ago, brutal
nearest the attacks.
Just 15 minutes ago, brutal
military came and set fire
Just 15 minutes ago, brutal
military came and set fire
to the village.
military came and set fire
to the village.
NARRATOR: It was the
to the village.
NARRATOR: It was the
beginning of an operation that
NARRATOR: It was the
beginning of an operation that
would eventually drive hundreds
beginning of an operation that
would eventually drive hundreds
of thousands of Rohingyas from
would eventually drive hundreds
of thousands of Rohingyas from
their homes.
of thousands of Rohingyas from
their homes.
Operatives from Sabo's network
their homes.
Operatives from Sabo's network
were filming.
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: One of the first
villages to be attacked was Monu
Para.
villages to be attacked was Monu
Para.
(birds chirping)
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: Mohammed Ayas says
over a hundred people fled to
the village leader's compound
over a hundred people fled to
the village leader's compound
seeking safety.
the village leader's compound
seeking safety.
As the soldiers entered, he says
seeking safety.
As the soldiers entered, he says
he hid in the roof.
AYAS:
NARRATOR: Villagers say this
is one of the soldiers who led
the attack that day,
is one of the soldiers who led
the attack that day,
Sergeant Ba Kyaw.
the attack that day,
Sergeant Ba Kyaw.
(man speaking foreign language)
Sergeant Ba Kyaw.
(man speaking foreign language)
We interviewed nine residents
(man speaking foreign language)
We interviewed nine residents
who identified him and said
We interviewed nine residents
who identified him and said
they knew him well.
who identified him and said
they knew him well.
He was a member of the army's
they knew him well.
He was a member of the army's
Unit 564, based here, just south
He was a member of the army's
Unit 564, based here, just south
of the village.
AYAS:
NARRATOR: Witnesses say Ba
Kyaw and other soldiers rounded
up dozens of men and
Kyaw and other soldiers rounded
up dozens of men and
took them to the village
up dozens of men and
took them to the village
leader's compound.
took them to the village
leader's compound.
Aisha Begum was at home with her
leader's compound.
Aisha Begum was at home with her
sons.
BEGUM:
NARRATOR: The men and boys
taken to the compound were
forced to lie face down.
taken to the compound were
forced to lie face down.
Mohamadul Hassan was among them.
forced to lie face down.
Mohamadul Hassan was among them.
He says he had nothing to do
Mohamadul Hassan was among them.
He says he had nothing to do
with the militants.
HASSAN:
NARRATOR: He says the men
were kept tied up in the
courtyard for two hours.
were kept tied up in the
courtyard for two hours.
Then, he says, an officer took
courtyard for two hours.
Then, he says, an officer took
a phone call.
Then, he says, an officer took
a phone call.
Other survivors have given
a phone call.
Other survivors have given
journalists and human rights
Other survivors have given
journalists and human rights
investigators similar accounts
journalists and human rights
investigators similar accounts
of what happened next.
HASSAN:
NARRATOR: This video of
him was taken a few days
after the attack.
him was taken a few days
after the attack.
He says he was shot twice and
after the attack.
He says he was shot twice and
left for dead.
He says he was shot twice and
left for dead.
Hiding in the roof, Ayas says he
watched as some of the men were
killed in the courtyard.
AYAS:
NARRATOR:In all, eight
witnesses told us thst Sergeant
Ba Kyaw participated in the
witnesses told us thst Sergeant
Ba Kyaw participated in the
killings.
Ba Kyaw participated in the
killings.
He's also been named in other
killings.
He's also been named in other
news and human rights reports.
He's also been named in other
news and human rights reports.
We weren't able to speak to Ba
news and human rights reports.
We weren't able to speak to Ba
Kyaw and the Myanmar military
We weren't able to speak to Ba
Kyaw and the Myanmar military
wouldn't respond to the
Kyaw and the Myanmar military
wouldn't respond to the
allegations against him.
wouldn't respond to the
allegations against him.
They insist their troops did not
allegations against him.
They insist their troops did not
harm civilians.
They insist their troops did not
harm civilians.
But survivors estimate at
harm civilians.
But survivors estimate at
least 80 people were executed
But survivors estimate at
least 80 people were executed
in the courtyard alone.
BEGUM (crying):
NARRATOR: Aisha says that her
husband and three of her
children were among them.
BEGUM:
NARRATOR: The Myanmar
military says that it was
conducting a "clearance
military says that it was
conducting a "clearance
operation" to rid Rakhine of
conducting a "clearance
operation" to rid Rakhine of
terrorists.
operation" to rid Rakhine of
terrorists.
But video shot at the scene
terrorists.
But video shot at the scene
supports eyewitness claims that
But video shot at the scene
supports eyewitness claims that
many civilians were killed.
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: Nurul Hakim went
back to Monu Para with a camera
once the soldiers had left,
back to Monu Para with a camera
once the soldiers had left,
risking his life.
once the soldiers had left,
risking his life.
His footage is dated August 28,
risking his life.
His footage is dated August 28,
one day after the killings.
This is the first time he's been
interviewed.
HAKIM:
NARRATOR: Nurul and other
witnesses told us more than 100
people were killed throughout
witnesses told us more than 100
people were killed throughout
the village-- a number that is
people were killed throughout
the village-- a number that is
consistent with subsequent
the village-- a number that is
consistent with subsequent
investigations by human rights
consistent with subsequent
investigations by human rights
groups.
HAKIM:
NARRATOR: Nurul also found
body parts.
HAKIM:
NARRATOR: Elsewhere in the
village, he filmed the body of a
boy who appears to have been
village, he filmed the body of a
boy who appears to have been
shot in the head.
HAKIM (crying):
NARRATOR: In another part of
Monu Para, a villager filmed a
body being dug up.
Monu Para, a villager filmed a
body being dug up.
The wounds are still fresh.
body being dug up.
The wounds are still fresh.
Hmmm.
The wounds are still fresh.
Hmmm.
WILLIAMS: The dead man, do
Hmmm.
WILLIAMS: The dead man, do
you know who this is?
AYAS:
NARRATOR: Ayas says he had
seen this man alive in the
courtyard before the army's
seen this man alive in the
courtyard before the army's
executions began.
courtyard before the army's
executions began.
WILLIAMS: How old was he?
AYAS:
NARRATOR: By now, the Myanmar
military's campaign had spread
across the whole of northern
military's campaign had spread
across the whole of northern
Rakhine.
across the whole of northern
Rakhine.
Over the next few days, dozens
Rakhine.
Over the next few days, dozens
of Rohingya villages were
Over the next few days, dozens
of Rohingya villages were
attacked and burned to the
of Rohingya villages were
attacked and burned to the
ground.
attacked and burned to the
ground.
On August 27, members of the
ground.
On August 27, members of the
33rd Light Infantry Division
On August 27, members of the
33rd Light Infantry Division
moved into the village of Chut
33rd Light Infantry Division
moved into the village of Chut
Pyin.
REPORTER:
NARRATOR: A Myanmar TV
network broadcast this report
that same day.
REPORTER:
NARRATOR: But the footage
filmed by Rohingya activists
tells a different story.
filmed by Rohingya activists
tells a different story.
Sabo was filming in the nearby
tells a different story.
Sabo was filming in the nearby
village of Ah Tet Nan Ya as
Sabo was filming in the nearby
village of Ah Tet Nan Ya as
survivors from Chut Pyin
village of Ah Tet Nan Ya as
survivors from Chut Pyin
streamed in.
SABO:
(conversing):
NARRATOR: He filmed dozens of
wounded men, women and children,
many of them shot in the back as
wounded men, women and children,
many of them shot in the back as
they fled.
many of them shot in the back as
they fled.
We tracked down some of the
they fled.
We tracked down some of the
survivors seen in Sabo's
We tracked down some of the
survivors seen in Sabo's
footage, who all independently
survivors seen in Sabo's
footage, who all independently
recounted how the military
footage, who all independently
recounted how the military
attacked civilians.
JAHIN HUSSEIN:
NARRATOR: The video shows a
villager named Jahin Hussein
and his niece, Jamila Khatun.
villager named Jahin Hussein
and his niece, Jamila Khatun.
She's 16 years old and has been
and his niece, Jamila Khatun.
She's 16 years old and has been
shot in the back.
JAHIN HUSSEIN:
NARRATOR: We found them in
the refugee camps in Bangladesh.
JAHIN HUSSEIN:
KHATUN:
NUR BEGUM (crying):
NARRATOR: Nur Begum says that
when the women tried to fight
back, a soldier shot one of them
when the women tried to fight
back, a soldier shot one of them
dead.
NUR BEGUM:
(crying)
NARRATOR: Multiple survivors
from Chut Pyin told us the
soldiers engaged in mass rape in
from Chut Pyin told us the
soldiers engaged in mass rape in
the village.
Among the survivors filmed by
Sabo was village leader and
medic Rashan Ali.
ALI:
NARRATOR: He says he did what
he could to treat the
victims.
ALI:
NARRATOR: He said many of
the rape victims were children.
ALI:
NARRATOR: As the soldiers
swept through Chut Pyin, nine-
year-old Arefa Khatum
swept through Chut Pyin, nine-
year-old Arefa Khatum
was hiding at school.
AREFA:
NARRATOR: When the soldiers
reached the school, Arefa says
she was shot through the leg.
reached the school, Arefa says
she was shot through the leg.
The bullet shattered her bones.
AREFA:
NARRATOR: What happened next
is horrific.
Arefa's mother, Rashida Khatum,
is horrific.
Arefa's mother, Rashida Khatum,
says she and her son were
Arefa's mother, Rashida Khatum,
says she and her son were
rounded up by soldiers with a
says she and her son were
rounded up by soldiers with a
large group of women and
rounded up by soldiers with a
large group of women and
children.
RASHIDA KHATUM:
NARRATOR: Rashida says the
soldiers dragged the children
and babies to nearby burning
soldiers dragged the children
and babies to nearby burning
houses.
and babies to nearby burning
houses.
(fire crackling)
houses.
(fire crackling)
She says they then threw them
(fire crackling)
She says they then threw them
into the flames alive.
RASHIDA KHATUM:
NARRATOR: Rashida says she
saved her own son by hiding
him under her shawl.
60-year-old Umul Kulsum says her
grandson and her granddaughter
were ripped from her arms.
KULSUM:
NARRATOR: Ahmed Hussain, one
of the village leaders, is
compiling a record of everything
of the village leaders, is
compiling a record of everything
that happened in Chut Pyin.
HUSSAIN:
NARRATOR: He showed us where
the women were held with their
children.
HUSSAIN:
NARRATOR: Ahmed is collecting
the names of all the missing.
So far he's identified 358
the names of all the missing.
So far he's identified 358
people that he believes were
So far he's identified 358
people that he believes were
killed in the attack.
people that he believes were
killed in the attack.
We asked him how many of the
killed in the attack.
We asked him how many of the
dead were children.
HUSSAIN:
NARRATOR: By early September
2017, an exodus was underway.
In a single month, around half a
2017, an exodus was underway.
In a single month, around half a
million refugees crossed the
In a single month, around half a
million refugees crossed the
border into Bangladesh.
million refugees crossed the
border into Bangladesh.
It was only now that the
border into Bangladesh.
It was only now that the
Rohingya crisis became world
It was only now that the
Rohingya crisis became world
news.
Rohingya crisis became world
news.
Under international pressure,
news.
Under international pressure,
the Myanmar military would
Under international pressure,
the Myanmar military would
eventually conduct an internal
the Myanmar military would
eventually conduct an internal
investigation.
eventually conduct an internal
investigation.
It concluded there was no rape,
investigation.
It concluded there was no rape,
no burning, and no killing of
It concluded there was no rape,
no burning, and no killing of
civilians by its soldiers.
no burning, and no killing of
civilians by its soldiers.
They maintain that the campaign
civilians by its soldiers.
They maintain that the campaign
was a counter-insurgency
They maintain that the campaign
was a counter-insurgency
"clearance operation" against
was a counter-insurgency
"clearance operation" against
"Bengali terrorists."
Rubbish.
I mean, this is not
I mean, this is not
counter-insurgency.
counter-insurgency.
Counter-insurgency means you go
Counter-insurgency means you go
after the specific units that
after the specific units that
are involved, but rounding up
are involved, but rounding up
civilians, burning their houses,
civilians, burning their houses,
slicing the throats of children,
slicing the throats of children,
raping pregnant women, and then
raping pregnant women, and then
disemboweling them-- I mean,
disemboweling them-- I mean,
how on Earth is that counter-
how on Earth is that counter-
insurgency?
insurgency?
These were not sporadic acts.
These were not sporadic acts.
These were well-organized,
These were well-organized,
well-thought-through.
well-thought-through.
Clearly, it didn't seem to be an
Clearly, it didn't seem to be an
operation that was put together
operation that was put together
at the last moment.
There is some design to this.
This was a textbook case of
ethnic cleansing.
NARRATOR: As more survivors
were reaching Bangladesh, the
accounts of atrocities mounted.
The worst-known massacre of all
happened in the village of Tula
Toli.
happened in the village of Tula
Toli.
When soldiers attacked from the
Toli.
When soldiers attacked from the
north, hundreds of Rohingyas
When soldiers attacked from the
north, hundreds of Rohingyas
fled eastward, but were
north, hundreds of Rohingyas
fled eastward, but were
trapped by a bend in the river.
MAN:
NARRATOR: Survivors we
interviewed told us this video
was filmed downstream from
interviewed told us this video
was filmed downstream from
Tula Toli.
was filmed downstream from
Tula Toli.
It shows the bodies of children
Tula Toli.
It shows the bodies of children
and babies being recovered from
It shows the bodies of children
and babies being recovered from
the river.
MAN:
NARRATOR: The survivors
from Tula Toli recognized
some of the bodies
from Tula Toli recognized
some of the bodies
in the video.
MUMTAZ BEGUM:
NARRATOR: Mumtaz Begum says
soldiers took her to a house
soldiers took her to a house
with her only surviving
with her only surviving
daughter, Razeya.
NARRATOR: She says when the
soldiers had finished, they
locked the women inside the
soldiers had finished, they
locked the women inside the
house.
RAZEYA:
MUMTAZ:
MAN:
NARRATOR: Survivors from Tula
Toli streamed across the river
trying to escape.
Toli streamed across the river
trying to escape.
Witnesses told us that over a
trying to escape.
Witnesses told us that over a
thousand people were killed in
Witnesses told us that over a
thousand people were killed in
the village, a number
thousand people were killed in
the village, a number
consistent with reports from
the village, a number
consistent with reports from
other journalists and human
consistent with reports from
other journalists and human
rights groups.
other journalists and human
rights groups.
(crying)
NARRATOR: Mumtaz says she
managed to escape the burning
house with her daughter.
managed to escape the burning
house with her daughter.
As she fled, she found her
house with her daughter.
As she fled, she found her
wounded son lying nearby.
MUMTAZ:
(weeping)
The security forces have been
instructed to exercise all due
restraint and to take full
instructed to exercise all due
restraint and to take full
measures to avoid collateral
restraint and to take full
measures to avoid collateral
damage and the harming of
measures to avoid collateral
damage and the harming of
innocent civilians.
damage and the harming of
innocent civilians.
NARRATOR: Three weeks after
innocent civilians.
NARRATOR: Three weeks after
the campaign began, Aung San Suu
NARRATOR: Three weeks after
the campaign began, Aung San Suu
Kyi defended the military and
the campaign began, Aung San Suu
Kyi defended the military and
claimed that operations in
Kyi defended the military and
claimed that operations in
northern Rakhine had finished.
claimed that operations in
northern Rakhine had finished.
There have been no conflicts
northern Rakhine had finished.
There have been no conflicts
since the fifth of September and
There have been no conflicts
since the fifth of September and
no clearance operations.
since the fifth of September and
no clearance operations.
NARRATOR: But even as she
no clearance operations.
NARRATOR: But even as she
spoke, the destruction
NARRATOR: But even as she
spoke, the destruction
continued.
spoke, the destruction
continued.
Satellite imagery shows that in
continued.
Satellite imagery shows that in
the weeks after September 5,
Satellite imagery shows that in
the weeks after September 5,
numerous Rohingya villages were
the weeks after September 5,
numerous Rohingya villages were
burned to the
numerous Rohingya villages were
burned to the
ground.
We tried to get access to
northern Rakhine, but the
We tried to get access to
northern Rakhine, but the
Myanmar military refused our
northern Rakhine, but the
Myanmar military refused our
request.
WILLIAMS: For weeks we've
been trying to talk to somebody
from the government or the army
been trying to talk to somebody
from the government or the army
about what they think is
from the government or the army
about what they think is
happening in Rakhine State.
We've written to the home
minister, the minister for
minister, the minister for
border affairs, the three senior
border affairs, the three senior
generals who have been appointed
generals who have been appointed
to liaise with the media.
The state councilor, Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi, and even the
commander-in-chief of the armed
San Suu Kyi, and even the
commander-in-chief of the armed
forces, General Min Aung Hlaing
commander-in-chief of the armed
forces, General Min Aung Hlaing
himself.
forces, General Min Aung Hlaing
himself.
None of the them will see us.
himself.
None of the them will see us.
Only one junior minister will
None of the them will see us.
Only one junior minister will
grant us an interview.
NARRATOR: Win Myat Aye is the
minister for social welfare,
relief, and resettlement.
minister for social welfare,
relief, and resettlement.
The interview was
relief, and resettlement.
The interview was
monitored by other
The interview was
monitored by other
officials.
monitored by other
officials.
WILLIAMS: Why did the
officials.
WILLIAMS: Why did the
Rohingyas leave Myanmar?
WILLIAMS: Why did the
Rohingyas leave Myanmar?
Why did they-- why did so many
Rohingyas leave Myanmar?
Why did they-- why did so many
Rohingya people leave?
Why did they-- why did so many
Rohingya people leave?
They say there was violent
Rohingya people leave?
They say there was violent
attacks by the military.
They say there was violent
attacks by the military.
No, it's not true, the 100%.
attacks by the military.
No, it's not true, the 100%.
And I mean that, 100%.
No, it's not true, the 100%.
And I mean that, 100%.
Because of the conflict between
And I mean that, 100%.
Because of the conflict between
the two communities and because
Because of the conflict between
the two communities and because
of the terrorist attack, there
the two communities and because
of the terrorist attack, there
is the cleansing operation.
of the terrorist attack, there
is the cleansing operation.
They fear for that.
is the cleansing operation.
They fear for that.
Cleansing operation for the
They fear for that.
Cleansing operation for the
terrorists.
Cleansing operation for the
terrorists.
WILLIAMS: They say that the
terrorists.
WILLIAMS: They say that the
army went into hundreds of
WILLIAMS: They say that the
army went into hundreds of
villages shooting men, women,
army went into hundreds of
villages shooting men, women,
and children, and raping women,
villages shooting men, women,
and children, and raping women,
and burning the houses-- why do
and children, and raping women,
and burning the houses-- why do
you think the army used such
and burning the houses-- why do
you think the army used such
force in this way?
you think the army used such
force in this way?
So I, I don't think so.
force in this way?
So I, I don't think so.
They are-- we are-- as you know,
So I, I don't think so.
They are-- we are-- as you know,
I already have said about you, I
They are-- we are-- as you know,
I already have said about you, I
don't know-- I know only about
I already have said about you, I
don't know-- I know only about
my duty and my responsibility.
don't know-- I know only about
my duty and my responsibility.
It's beyond my capacity.
my duty and my responsibility.
It's beyond my capacity.
NARRATOR: He repeatedly said
It's beyond my capacity.
NARRATOR: He repeatedly said
he was not familiar with the
NARRATOR: He repeatedly said
he was not familiar with the
military operation.
he was not familiar with the
military operation.
But state media shows the
military operation.
But state media shows the
minister in Rakhine State with
But state media shows the
minister in Rakhine State with
the army on August 27, at the
minister in Rakhine State with
the army on August 27, at the
height of the army's campaign.
the army on August 27, at the
height of the army's campaign.
Myanmar's commander-in-chief is
height of the army's campaign.
Myanmar's commander-in-chief is
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Myanmar's commander-in-chief is
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
He has stated publicly that the
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
He has stated publicly that the
country "has no Rohingya race"
He has stated publicly that the
country "has no Rohingya race"
and referred to the campaign in
country "has no Rohingya race"
and referred to the campaign in
northern Rakhine as "unfinished
and referred to the campaign in
northern Rakhine as "unfinished
business" against Bengali
northern Rakhine as "unfinished
business" against Bengali
immigrants.
HLAING:
He said it was unfinished
business, they were carrying out
an unfinished business.
business, they were carrying out
an unfinished business.
It indicates the military had a
an unfinished business.
It indicates the military had a
plan to wipe out this whole
It indicates the military had a
plan to wipe out this whole
population.
WILLIAMS: But in human rights
language, what actually is it?
language, what actually is it?
Hallmarks of genocide.
Hallmarks of genocide.
Hallmarks of genocide.
You don't embark on something
like this, knowing that on this
scale there is going to be an
like this, knowing that on this
scale there is going to be an
international response, without
scale there is going to be an
international response, without
the orders coming from the top
international response, without
the orders coming from the top
of the military chain of
the orders coming from the top
of the military chain of
command.
of the military chain of
command.
So I suspect that Min Aung
command.
So I suspect that Min Aung
Hlaing was very much in the know
So I suspect that Min Aung
Hlaing was very much in the know
about this.
It wouldn't surprise me in the
least if a court subsequently
least if a court subsequently
were to make a determination
were to make a determination
that acts of genocide have been
that acts of genocide have been
perpetrated, it wouldn't
perpetrated, it wouldn't
surprise me in the least.
NARRATOR: The U.S.
State Department has launched
an investigation into alleged
State Department has launched
an investigation into alleged
atrocities against the
an investigation into alleged
atrocities against the
Rohingyas; collecting evidence
atrocities against the
Rohingyas; collecting evidence
that it says could one day be
Rohingyas; collecting evidence
that it says could one day be
used to prosecute the military
that it says could one day be
used to prosecute the military
for crimes against humanity.
But despite the death toll and
humanitarian crisis, there
have been no major efforts
humanitarian crisis, there
have been no major efforts
by the U.S. or other
have been no major efforts
by the U.S. or other
countries to sanction Myanmar.
by the U.S. or other
countries to sanction Myanmar.
Aung San Suu Kyi has continued
countries to sanction Myanmar.
Aung San Suu Kyi has continued
to defend her country from
Aung San Suu Kyi has continued
to defend her country from
international criticism.
In January, she met with Bill
Richardson, former U.S.
ambassador to the United
Richardson, former U.S.
ambassador to the United
Nations.
ambassador to the United
Nations.
The two were old friends.
Nations.
The two were old friends.
I said, "Look, friends are
The two were old friends.
I said, "Look, friends are
real friends if they give frank
I said, "Look, friends are
real friends if they give frank
advice.
real friends if they give frank
advice.
Let the U.N. in.
Don't condemn human rights
groups that don't agree with
groups that don't agree with
you."
you."
And I said, "Look.
And I said, "Look.
My own government, the secretary
My own government, the secretary
of state, says it's ethnic
of state, says it's ethnic
cleansing.
And she exploded-- she said,
"Bill, you've got an agenda.
There's terrorism with some of
"Bill, you've got an agenda.
There's terrorism with some of
the Rohingyas."
There's terrorism with some of
the Rohingyas."
That's when we had a huge
the Rohingyas."
That's when we had a huge
altercation.
That's when we had a huge
altercation.
I thought if we were closer, she
altercation.
I thought if we were closer, she
would hit me.
I thought if we were closer, she
would hit me.
I could see the anger in her
would hit me.
I could see the anger in her
face.
I could see the anger in her
face.
It was obvious she saw the
face.
It was obvious she saw the
Rohingyas as not part of
It was obvious she saw the
Rohingyas as not part of
Myanmar.
Rohingyas as not part of
Myanmar.
That's when I realized she had
Myanmar.
That's when I realized she had
changed.
That's when I realized she had
changed.
changed.
She had gone from a human rights
She had gone from a human rights
heroine, a beacon of democracy,
She had gone from a human rights
heroine, a beacon of democracy,
to a politician wanting to cater
heroine, a beacon of democracy,
to a politician wanting to cater
to the military.
to a politician wanting to cater
to the military.
Wanting the military to support
to the military.
Wanting the military to support
her.
Wanting the military to support
her.
She wants to get re-elected.
her.
She wants to get re-elected.
She likes this seat of power.
She wants to get re-elected.
She likes this seat of power.
That's not the Aung San Suu Kyi
She likes this seat of power.
That's not the Aung San Suu Kyi
I remember.
That's not the Aung San Suu Kyi
I remember.
She is walling herself off from
I remember.
She is walling herself off from
reality.
She is walling herself off from
reality.
reality.
NARRATOR: Late last month,
NARRATOR: Late last month,
Aung San Suu Kyi invited a UN
NARRATOR: Late last month,
Aung San Suu Kyi invited a UN
delegation to Rakhine State.
Aung San Suu Kyi invited a UN
delegation to Rakhine State.
Her government is now vowing to
delegation to Rakhine State.
Her government is now vowing to
help refugees return to Myanmar.
Her government is now vowing to
help refugees return to Myanmar.
But in the camps, the Rohingyas
help refugees return to Myanmar.
But in the camps, the Rohingyas
are wary.
14-year-old Abdulsalam Ullah is
from the village of Chut Pyin.
He is haunted by what he saw
from the village of Chut Pyin.
He is haunted by what he saw
there.
ABDULSALAM ULLAH:
Captioned by
access.wgbh.org
For more on this and other
programs, visit our website
programs, visit our website
at pbs.org/frontline.
"Frontline's" "Myanmar's Killing
Fields" is available on DVD.
Fields" is available on DVD.
To order, visit shop.PBS.org
To order, visit shop.PBS.org
or call 1-800-PLAY-PBS.
or call 1-800-PLAY-PBS.
"Frontline" is also available
"Frontline" is also available
for download on iTunes.
NARRATOR: Tonight on
Frontline, Nobel Laureate, Aung
San Suu Kyi, was seen as
Frontline, Nobel Laureate, Aung
San Suu Kyi, was seen as
Myanmar's hope.
San Suu Kyi, was seen as
Myanmar's hope.
I understand that many of our
Myanmar's hope.
I understand that many of our
friends throughout the world are
I understand that many of our
friends throughout the world are
concerned by reports of villages
friends throughout the world are
concerned by reports of villages
being burned.
concerned by reports of villages
being burned.
NARRATOR: Now, she's accused
being burned.
NARRATOR: Now, she's accused
of standing by as the army waged
NARRATOR: Now, she's accused
of standing by as the army waged
a violent campaign against the
of standing by as the army waged
a violent campaign against the
Rohingya minority.
a violent campaign against the
Rohingya minority.
They are being massacred.
Rohingya minority.
They are being massacred.
She is walling herself off from
They are being massacred.
She is walling herself off from
reality.
She is walling herself off from
reality.
NARRATOR: And keeping the
reality.
NARRATOR: And keeping the
United Nations out.
NARRATOR: And keeping the
United Nations out.
She was saying these were all
United Nations out.
She was saying these were all
made up stories.
She was saying these were all
made up stories.
I couldn't believe my ears and I
made up stories.
I couldn't believe my ears and I
thought to myself,
I couldn't believe my ears and I
thought to myself,
you must be kidding me?
thought to myself,
you must be kidding me?
NARRATOR: With secret
you must be kidding me?
NARRATOR: With secret
footage, and eyewitnesses.
NARRATOR: With secret
footage, and eyewitnesses.
Just 15 minutes ago, brutal
footage, and eyewitnesses.
Just 15 minutes ago, brutal
military came and set fire to
Just 15 minutes ago, brutal
military came and set fire to
the village.
military came and set fire to
the village.
NARRATOR: Frontline
the village.
NARRATOR: Frontline
investigates...
NARRATOR: Frontline
investigates...
This was a textbook case of
investigates...
This was a textbook case of
ethnic cleansing.
This was a textbook case of
ethnic cleansing.
NARRATOR: Myanmar's Killing
ethnic cleansing.
NARRATOR: Myanmar's Killing
Fields."
NARRATOR: Cox's Bazar,
Bangladesh.
This is the largest refugee camp
Bangladesh.
This is the largest refugee camp
in the world.
This is the largest refugee camp
in the world.
Reporter Evan Williams has come
in the world.
Reporter Evan Williams has come
here to investigate a campaign
Reporter Evan Williams has come
here to investigate a campaign
by the Myanmar military that has
here to investigate a campaign
by the Myanmar military that has
driven hundreds of thousands of
by the Myanmar military that has
driven hundreds of thousands of
Rohingya Muslims from their
driven hundreds of thousands of
Rohingya Muslims from their
homes.
WILLIAMS: So arriving in the
camps, it's really hard to
camps, it's really hard to
convey the sheer scale of this
convey the sheer scale of this
crisis.
crisis.
We've been walking through this
We've been walking through this
main camp for about ten
main camp for about ten
minutes, it seems to go on and
minutes, it seems to go on and
on.
Everywhere you look, there are
more tents, more families, just
ridge after ridge of shelters
more tents, more families, just
ridge after ridge of shelters
for these refugees.
ridge after ridge of shelters
for these refugees.
(people talking in background)
for these refugees.
(people talking in background)
NARRATOR: The mass exodus of
(people talking in background)
NARRATOR: The mass exodus of
the Rohingyas became world news
NARRATOR: The mass exodus of
the Rohingyas became world news
in August 2017.
But the military's campaign
against them in fact began years
earlier.
against them in fact began years
earlier.
Since 2012, a small network of
earlier.
Since 2012, a small network of
citizen activists has been
Since 2012, a small network of
citizen activists has been
secretly filming the reality of
citizen activists has been
secretly filming the reality of
life for the Rohingyas in
secretly filming the reality of
life for the Rohingyas in
Myanmar.
life for the Rohingyas in
Myanmar.
We've been given hundreds of
Myanmar.
We've been given hundreds of
their videos, some by an
We've been given hundreds of
their videos, some by an
international human rights group
their videos, some by an
international human rights group
that helped train them.
international human rights group
that helped train them.
No one from the network has ever
that helped train them.
No one from the network has ever
been interviewed on camera, but
No one from the network has ever
been interviewed on camera, but
one agreed if we
been interviewed on camera, but
one agreed if we
protected his identity.
one agreed if we
protected his identity.
He uses the codename "Sabo."
SABO (in foreign language):
(speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: "Frontline" spent
six months trying to corroborate
the footage and
six months trying to corroborate
the footage and
other videos we gathered...
NARRATOR: ...interviewing
scores of witnesses...
(speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR:...comparing their
accounts, and cross-checking
them with human rights
accounts, and cross-checking
them with human rights
investigators.
them with human rights
investigators.
WILLIAMS: How many patches of
investigators.
WILLIAMS: How many patches of
blood like this did you see?
WILLIAMS: How many patches of
blood like this did you see?
NARRATOR: The Myanmar
blood like this did you see?
NARRATOR: The Myanmar
military denies abuses and says
NARRATOR: The Myanmar
military denies abuses and says
it has been fighting Islamic
military denies abuses and says
it has been fighting Islamic
terrorists.
(speaking foreign language)
(weeping)
NARRATOR: But the videos and
eyewitness accounts depict an
NARRATOR: But the videos and
eyewitness accounts depict an
orchestrated effort to target
eyewitness accounts depict an
orchestrated effort to target
civilians.
orchestrated effort to target
civilians.
Systematic discrimination,
civilians.
Systematic discrimination,
state-sanctioned violence, and
Systematic discrimination,
state-sanctioned violence, and
ultimately, mass murder.
(woman sobbing)
SABO:
(people talking in background)
NARRATOR: Muslim Rohingyas
have been living in Myanmar's
NARRATOR: Muslim Rohingyas
have been living in Myanmar's
Rakhine State for generations.
have been living in Myanmar's
Rakhine State for generations.
But the government views them
Rakhine State for generations.
But the government views them
as illegal immigrants from
But the government views them
as illegal immigrants from
neighboring Bangladesh.
as illegal immigrants from
neighboring Bangladesh.
In 2012, violence erupted
neighboring Bangladesh.
In 2012, violence erupted
between the Muslim Rohingyas and
In 2012, violence erupted
between the Muslim Rohingyas and
the Buddhist Rakhines, the
between the Muslim Rohingyas and
the Buddhist Rakhines, the
majority ethnic group in the
the Buddhist Rakhines, the
majority ethnic group in the
region.
In response, the government
confined 120,000 Rohingyas to
ghettos and camps, and then
confined 120,000 Rohingyas to
ghettos and camps, and then
began to impose restrictions on
ghettos and camps, and then
began to impose restrictions on
all aspects of Rohingya life.
began to impose restrictions on
all aspects of Rohingya life.
The videos we received from
all aspects of Rohingya life.
The videos we received from
Sabo's network show shuttered
The videos we received from
Sabo's network show shuttered
mosques and religious schools.
Sabo's network show shuttered
mosques and religious schools.
And police checkpoints where
mosques and religious schools.
And police checkpoints where
Sabo says Rohingyas could not
And police checkpoints where
Sabo says Rohingyas could not
pass without written permission
Sabo says Rohingyas could not
pass without written permission
or payment.
SABO:
NARRATOR: For more than 50
years, Myanmar was ruled by a
repressive military
years, Myanmar was ruled by a
repressive military
dictatorship, notorious for
repressive military
dictatorship, notorious for
human rights abuses, and subject
dictatorship, notorious for
human rights abuses, and subject
to sanctions by the United
human rights abuses, and subject
to sanctions by the United
States and other Western
to sanctions by the United
States and other Western
countries.
States and other Western
countries.
But by 2015, that was changing.
In the country's first free
elections for decades, long-time
democracy activist Aung San Suu
elections for decades, long-time
democracy activist Aung San Suu
Kyi won a landslide victory.
democracy activist Aung San Suu
Kyi won a landslide victory.
Although she had limited power,
Kyi won a landslide victory.
Although she had limited power,
with no effective control of the
Although she had limited power,
with no effective control of the
army, it was seen as a new dawn
with no effective control of the
army, it was seen as a new dawn
for Myanmar.
army, it was seen as a new dawn
for Myanmar.
There was a feeling of great
for Myanmar.
There was a feeling of great
anticipation and a feeling that
There was a feeling of great
anticipation and a feeling that
she would be this transformative
anticipation and a feeling that
she would be this transformative
figure.
We knew that there were
constitutional limitations in
constitutional limitations in
terms of what she could do, but
terms of what she could do, but
she had enormous international
she had enormous international
standing and good will on her
standing and good will on her
side.
(people speaking quietly)
(speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: Myanmar's new
leader soon faced a crisis-- a
Rohingya insurgency in Rakhine
leader soon faced a crisis-- a
Rohingya insurgency in Rakhine
State.
Rohingya insurgency in Rakhine
State.
In October 2016, a previously
State.
In October 2016, a previously
unknown militant group calling
In October 2016, a previously
unknown militant group calling
itself the Arakan Rohingya
unknown militant group calling
itself the Arakan Rohingya
Salvation Army-- or ARSA--
itself the Arakan Rohingya
Salvation Army-- or ARSA--
claimed responsibility for
Salvation Army-- or ARSA--
claimed responsibility for
attacks on three police posts
claimed responsibility for
attacks on three police posts
which killed nine border
attacks on three police posts
which killed nine border
officers.
which killed nine border
officers.
What we know about ARSA is
officers.
What we know about ARSA is
that they are not well-armed,
What we know about ARSA is
that they are not well-armed,
they were mobilizing villagers
that they are not well-armed,
they were mobilizing villagers
to attack police stations,
they were mobilizing villagers
to attack police stations,
checkpoints.
I think they felt in part in
response to the kinds of
response to the kinds of
restrictions that made their
restrictions that made their
daily lives such a misery, that
daily lives such a misery, that
we're going to strike back.
NARRATOR: Aung San Suu Kyi
pledged that her government's
response to the attacks would be
pledged that her government's
response to the attacks would be
measured.
response to the attacks would be
measured.
Adhering to the principle of
measured.
Adhering to the principle of
justice that everybody must be
Adhering to the principle of
justice that everybody must be
considered innocent until proven
justice that everybody must be
considered innocent until proven
guilty, we have not accused any
considered innocent until proven
guilty, we have not accused any
particular organization or
guilty, we have not accused any
particular organization or
group.
NARRATOR: But the military
began a crackdown across
northern Rakhine.
began a crackdown across
northern Rakhine.
Within days, the security
northern Rakhine.
Within days, the security
services were sweeping through
Within days, the security
services were sweeping through
Rohingya villages looking for
services were sweeping through
Rohingya villages looking for
fighters hiding among the
Rohingya villages looking for
fighters hiding among the
population.
fighters hiding among the
population.
On November 5, they entered
population.
On November 5, they entered
the village of Koh Tan Kauk.
(speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: One of the officers
filmed the operation on his
phone as they rounded up dozens
filmed the operation on his
phone as they rounded up dozens
of men.
In the refugee camps in
Bangladesh, we found the man
being beaten in the video-- Nur
Bangladesh, we found the man
being beaten in the video-- Nur
Bashar.
being beaten in the video-- Nur
Bashar.
WILLIAMS: That's you
Bashar.
WILLIAMS: That's you
they're hitting?
BASHAR:
SOLDIER:
NARRATOR: Witnesses from Koh
Tan Kauk told us that the police
arrested four men from the
Tan Kauk told us that the police
arrested four men from the
village with no connection to
arrested four men from the
village with no connection to
the militants and they were
village with no connection to
the militants and they were
never seen again.
the militants and they were
never seen again.
When this video later surfaced
never seen again.
When this video later surfaced
on the internet, three officers,
When this video later surfaced
on the internet, three officers,
including the one who filmed it,
on the internet, three officers,
including the one who filmed it,
were sentenced to two months in
including the one who filmed it,
were sentenced to two months in
jail.
were sentenced to two months in
jail.
But the crackdown didn't end
jail.
But the crackdown didn't end
there.
But the crackdown didn't end
there.
Days later, soldiers swept
there.
Days later, soldiers swept
through the village of Dar Gyi
Days later, soldiers swept
through the village of Dar Gyi
Zar.
through the village of Dar Gyi
Zar.
The military says the village
Zar.
The military says the village
was harboring ARSA insurgents.
(men speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: Rahman Ullah and
Nurul Islam lived in the
village.
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: A few days later,
survivors returned to the
village.
survivors returned to the
village.
One of them was filming.
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: We played this
video to several survivors we
found in the refugee camps.
video to several survivors we
found in the refugee camps.
They said it shows the aftermath
found in the refugee camps.
They said it shows the aftermath
of the army's attack on their
They said it shows the aftermath
of the army's attack on their
village.
of the army's attack on their
village.
Their accounts match reports by
village.
Their accounts match reports by
human rights groups who also
Their accounts match reports by
human rights groups who also
investigated the killings.
human rights groups who also
investigated the killings.
The survivors told us more than
investigated the killings.
The survivors told us more than
170 people were killed here.
The survivors told us more than
170 people were killed here.
Many of the bodies were burned.
(man speaking foreign language)
(man speaking foreign language)
(weeping)
NARRATOR: The massacre at Dar
Gyi Zar took place in November
2016, almost a year before the
Gyi Zar took place in November
2016, almost a year before the
Rohingya exodus became world
2016, almost a year before the
Rohingya exodus became world
news.
Rohingya exodus became world
news.
Activists from Northern Rakhine
news.
Activists from Northern Rakhine
distributed video of residents
Activists from Northern Rakhine
distributed video of residents
fleeing multiple villages
distributed video of residents
fleeing multiple villages
at this time.
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: The activists say
this video was filmed in the
village of Sin Thay Pyin on
this video was filmed in the
village of Sin Thay Pyin on
November 25.
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: Residents are
warning each other to flee the
army, and then gunfire is heard.
warning each other to flee the
army, and then gunfire is heard.
(gunshot)
By December 2016, an estimated
90,000 Rohingyas were trying to
escape the violence.
When the refugees started to
arrive in neighboring
Bangladesh, investigators from
arrive in neighboring
Bangladesh, investigators from
the UN Human Rights office
Bangladesh, investigators from
the UN Human Rights office
began collecting their
the UN Human Rights office
began collecting their
testimony.
began collecting their
testimony.
Even by the standards that
testimony.
Even by the standards that
we are used to seeing, this was
Even by the standards that
we are used to seeing, this was
absolutely shocking stuff,
we are used to seeing, this was
absolutely shocking stuff,
I mean absolutely shocking.
And I remember thinking how
children were hunted down aged
children were hunted down aged
five or six and had their
five or six and had their
throats slit, and thinking,
throats slit, and thinking,
"Well, this is ISIS-like stuff."
NARRATOR: He decided to
call Aung San Suu Kyi.
I said, "You have moral
call Aung San Suu Kyi.
I said, "You have moral
standing in the country, we
I said, "You have moral
standing in the country, we
need to stop this right away,
standing in the country, we
need to stop this right away,
you have to stop this.
need to stop this right away,
you have to stop this.
Why don't you let us in, why
you have to stop this.
Why don't you let us in, why
don't you let international
Why don't you let us in, why
don't you let international
journalists in, what are you
don't you let international
journalists in, what are you
hiding?"
journalists in, what are you
hiding?"
She said something along the
hiding?"
She said something along the
lines that, you know, that we
She said something along the
lines that, you know, that we
needed to share more evidence
lines that, you know, that we
needed to share more evidence
with her.
needed to share more evidence
with her.
NARRATOR: To get more
with her.
NARRATOR: To get more
evidence, the United Nations
NARRATOR: To get more
evidence, the United Nations
needed their investigators
evidence, the United Nations
needed their investigators
to visit Northern Rakhine.
needed their investigators
to visit Northern Rakhine.
But when the UN passed a
to visit Northern Rakhine.
But when the UN passed a
resolution to send a fact-
But when the UN passed a
resolution to send a fact-
finding mission to Myanmar, Aung
resolution to send a fact-
finding mission to Myanmar, Aung
San Suu Kyi refused to give them
finding mission to Myanmar, Aung
San Suu Kyi refused to give them
access-- arguing that outside
San Suu Kyi refused to give them
access-- arguing that outside
scrutiny would worsen tensions.
access-- arguing that outside
scrutiny would worsen tensions.
We do not agree with it, we
scrutiny would worsen tensions.
We do not agree with it, we
have dissociated ourselves from
We do not agree with it, we
have dissociated ourselves from
the resolution, because we do
have dissociated ourselves from
the resolution, because we do
not think that the resolution is
the resolution, because we do
not think that the resolution is
in keeping with what is actually
not think that the resolution is
in keeping with what is actually
happening on the ground.
in keeping with what is actually
happening on the ground.
It was disappointing, hugely
happening on the ground.
It was disappointing, hugely
disappointing.
It was disappointing, hugely
disappointing.
The impression that she was
disappointing.
The impression that she was
going to be this transformative
The impression that she was
going to be this transformative
figure sort of was slowly
going to be this transformative
figure sort of was slowly
beginning to erode-- well, not
figure sort of was slowly
beginning to erode-- well, not
slowly but quite dramatically.
NARRATOR: Aung San Suu Kyi's
government had also prevented
government had also prevented
journalists from traveling
journalists from traveling
freely in northern Rakhine--
freely in northern Rakhine--
making it difficult for anyone
making it difficult for anyone
to verify the allegations
to verify the allegations
against the military.
But using satellite images,
human rights researchers
concluded that dozens of
human rights researchers
concluded that dozens of
Rohingya villages had been
concluded that dozens of
Rohingya villages had been
burned and more than 1,500
Rohingya villages had been
burned and more than 1,500
buildings destroyed.
burned and more than 1,500
buildings destroyed.
They tried to raise the alarm.
I remember very clearly
meeting with key ambassadors to
meeting with key ambassadors to
talk about what is going on
talk about what is going on
there.
there.
To say, "Look, you know, this is
To say, "Look, you know, this is
not only ethnic cleansing, but
not only ethnic cleansing, but
this is also crimes against
this is also crimes against
humanity, there has to be
humanity, there has to be
international accountability."
But the problem was, it was
almost like there was a
groupthink that had taken over.
almost like there was a
groupthink that had taken over.
And they're all talking to each
groupthink that had taken over.
And they're all talking to each
other, and all persuading each
And they're all talking to each
other, and all persuading each
other that Aung San Suu Kyi was
other, and all persuading each
other that Aung San Suu Kyi was
a saint, and somehow if she
other that Aung San Suu Kyi was
a saint, and somehow if she
really knew the real situation
a saint, and somehow if she
really knew the real situation
she would finally speak up.
really knew the real situation
she would finally speak up.
But, you know, we can't really
she would finally speak up.
But, you know, we can't really
pressure her too much, because
But, you know, we can't really
pressure her too much, because
if we do so, we'll destabilize
pressure her too much, because
if we do so, we'll destabilize
her government and the Myanmar
if we do so, we'll destabilize
her government and the Myanmar
military will take over.
her government and the Myanmar
military will take over.
So as far as the Myanmar
military will take over.
So as far as the Myanmar
military is concerned, the
So as far as the Myanmar
military is concerned, the
lesson is that you can use
military is concerned, the
lesson is that you can use
violence against the Rohingya
lesson is that you can use
violence against the Rohingya
and get away with it.
violence against the Rohingya
and get away with it.
(horns beeping, cars running)
and get away with it.
(horns beeping, cars running)
NARRATOR: The army's
(horns beeping, cars running)
NARRATOR: The army's
crackdown was popular
NARRATOR: The army's
crackdown was popular
among Myanmar's powerful
crackdown was popular
among Myanmar's powerful
Buddhist nationalists, who have
among Myanmar's powerful
Buddhist nationalists, who have
long seen the Rohingyas
Buddhist nationalists, who have
long seen the Rohingyas
as illegal Muslim
long seen the Rohingyas
as illegal Muslim
immigrants.
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: By June 2017
the authorities were stepping up
NARRATOR: By June 2017
the authorities were stepping up
a program forcing Rohingyas
the authorities were stepping up
a program forcing Rohingyas
to register with the government.
a program forcing Rohingyas
to register with the government.
This footage shows villagers
to register with the government.
This footage shows villagers
being ordered to apply for a new
This footage shows villagers
being ordered to apply for a new
identity document called the
being ordered to apply for a new
identity document called the
NVC.
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: The government said
it was to help determine their
citizenship.
it was to help determine their
citizenship.
The Rohingyas feared it was a
citizenship.
The Rohingyas feared it was a
ploy to classify them as illegal
The Rohingyas feared it was a
ploy to classify them as illegal
Bengali immigrants.
ploy to classify them as illegal
Bengali immigrants.
In the video, one villager
Bengali immigrants.
In the video, one villager
speaks out.
(man speaking foreign language)
(baby crying)
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: Rashan Ali was from
the village of Chut Pyin.
ALI:
NARRATOR: The Myanmar
military now began amassing
NARRATOR: The Myanmar
military now began amassing
troops in northern Rakhine.
In early August 2017, soldiers
from two divisions were deployed
to the region.
from two divisions were deployed
to the region.
One of them was the 33rd Light
to the region.
One of them was the 33rd Light
Infantry-- assault troops
One of them was the 33rd Light
Infantry-- assault troops
notorious for human rights
Infantry-- assault troops
notorious for human rights
abuses.
notorious for human rights
abuses.
Rohingya leaders from the
abuses.
Rohingya leaders from the
village of Chut Pyin say a
Rohingya leaders from the
village of Chut Pyin say a
commander summoned them
village of Chut Pyin say a
commander summoned them
and delivered an ultimatum.
commander summoned them
and delivered an ultimatum.
Ahmed Hussain was one of
and delivered an ultimatum.
Ahmed Hussain was one of
those village leaders.
HUSSAIN:
NARRATOR: Rohingyas from many
villages told us military
commanders were delivering
villages told us military
commanders were delivering
identical threats across
commanders were delivering
identical threats across
northern Rakhine in early August
identical threats across
northern Rakhine in early August
As tensions were rising that
summer, the United Nations'
special rapporteur on Myanmar
summer, the United Nations'
special rapporteur on Myanmar
was given access to the country.
special rapporteur on Myanmar
was given access to the country.
She had already spoken out about
was given access to the country.
She had already spoken out about
the need to protect the
She had already spoken out about
the need to protect the
Rohingyas from persecution,
the need to protect the
Rohingyas from persecution,
causing angry protests by
Rohingyas from persecution,
causing angry protests by
Buddhist nationalists.
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: In Rohingya
villages, she was forced to
travel with military and
villages, she was forced to
travel with military and
government minders.
I talked to the villagers,
but they were very scared.
but they were very scared.
So many of them are scared to
So many of them are scared to
speak with foreigners or outside
speak with foreigners or outside
people because of fear of
people because of fear of
retaliation, of reprisal.
NARRATOR: She met with Aung
San Suu Kyi and confronted her
with accounts of Rohingyas being
San Suu Kyi and confronted her
with accounts of Rohingyas being
killed.
with accounts of Rohingyas being
killed.
Until now, Yanghee Lee has not
killed.
Until now, Yanghee Lee has not
spoken about what happened next.
Until now, Yanghee Lee has not
spoken about what happened next.
She was becoming very, very
spoken about what happened next.
She was becoming very, very
defensive and she was saying
She was becoming very, very
defensive and she was saying
that these were all made-up
defensive and she was saying
that these were all made-up
stories.
that these were all made-up
stories.
UN is so one-sided, they're not
stories.
UN is so one-sided, they're not
helping the situation.
UN is so one-sided, they're not
helping the situation.
I said, you know, that I need
helping the situation.
I said, you know, that I need
more access and I would really
I said, you know, that I need
more access and I would really
need your support in getting
more access and I would really
need your support in getting
access.
need your support in getting
access.
And she looked at me and she
access.
And she looked at me and she
said, "If you continue the
And she looked at me and she
said, "If you continue the
narrative of the UN, you know,
said, "If you continue the
narrative of the UN, you know,
you might not get that access."
narrative of the UN, you know,
you might not get that access."
And I stopped and I thought, I
you might not get that access."
And I stopped and I thought, I
couldn't believe my ears and I
And I stopped and I thought, I
couldn't believe my ears and I
thought to myself she must be
couldn't believe my ears and I
thought to myself she must be
kidding me.
NARRATOR: Yanghee Lee was
subsequently accused of bias by
the Myanmar government and
subsequently accused of bias by
the Myanmar government and
banned from the country.
the Myanmar government and
banned from the country.
It was a political decision
banned from the country.
It was a political decision
she made.
It was a political decision
she made.
She is a politician, and the
she made.
She is a politician, and the
general sentiment in Myanmar is
She is a politician, and the
general sentiment in Myanmar is
not favorable to the Rohingyas.
(chanting in foreign language)
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: On August 25,
2017, Rohingya ARSA militants
backed by villagers
2017, Rohingya ARSA militants
backed by villagers
attacked 30 police posts and an
backed by villagers
attacked 30 police posts and an
army base in northern Rakhine.
attacked 30 police posts and an
army base in northern Rakhine.
(chanting in foreign language)
The Myanmar government said
that 11 policemen and an
immigration officer were killed.
In the days that followed,
soldiers swept into the villages
nearest the attacks.
soldiers swept into the villages
nearest the attacks.
Just 15 minutes ago, brutal
nearest the attacks.
Just 15 minutes ago, brutal
military came and set fire
Just 15 minutes ago, brutal
military came and set fire
to the village.
military came and set fire
to the village.
NARRATOR: It was the
to the village.
NARRATOR: It was the
beginning of an operation that
NARRATOR: It was the
beginning of an operation that
would eventually drive hundreds
beginning of an operation that
would eventually drive hundreds
of thousands of Rohingyas from
would eventually drive hundreds
of thousands of Rohingyas from
their homes.
of thousands of Rohingyas from
their homes.
Operatives from Sabo's network
their homes.
Operatives from Sabo's network
were filming.
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: One of the first
villages to be attacked was Monu
Para.
villages to be attacked was Monu
Para.
(birds chirping)
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: Mohammed Ayas says
over a hundred people fled to
the village leader's compound
over a hundred people fled to
the village leader's compound
seeking safety.
the village leader's compound
seeking safety.
As the soldiers entered, he says
seeking safety.
As the soldiers entered, he says
he hid in the roof.
AYAS:
NARRATOR: Villagers say this
is one of the soldiers who led
the attack that day,
is one of the soldiers who led
the attack that day,
Sergeant Ba Kyaw.
the attack that day,
Sergeant Ba Kyaw.
(man speaking foreign language)
Sergeant Ba Kyaw.
(man speaking foreign language)
We interviewed nine residents
(man speaking foreign language)
We interviewed nine residents
who identified him and said
We interviewed nine residents
who identified him and said
they knew him well.
who identified him and said
they knew him well.
He was a member of the army's
they knew him well.
He was a member of the army's
Unit 564, based here, just south
He was a member of the army's
Unit 564, based here, just south
of the village.
AYAS:
NARRATOR: Witnesses say Ba
Kyaw and other soldiers rounded
up dozens of men and
Kyaw and other soldiers rounded
up dozens of men and
took them to the village
up dozens of men and
took them to the village
leader's compound.
took them to the village
leader's compound.
Aisha Begum was at home with her
leader's compound.
Aisha Begum was at home with her
sons.
BEGUM:
NARRATOR: The men and boys
taken to the compound were
forced to lie face down.
taken to the compound were
forced to lie face down.
Mohamadul Hassan was among them.
forced to lie face down.
Mohamadul Hassan was among them.
He says he had nothing to do
Mohamadul Hassan was among them.
He says he had nothing to do
with the militants.
HASSAN:
NARRATOR: He says the men
were kept tied up in the
courtyard for two hours.
were kept tied up in the
courtyard for two hours.
Then, he says, an officer took
courtyard for two hours.
Then, he says, an officer took
a phone call.
Then, he says, an officer took
a phone call.
Other survivors have given
a phone call.
Other survivors have given
journalists and human rights
Other survivors have given
journalists and human rights
investigators similar accounts
journalists and human rights
investigators similar accounts
of what happened next.
HASSAN:
NARRATOR: This video of
him was taken a few days
after the attack.
him was taken a few days
after the attack.
He says he was shot twice and
after the attack.
He says he was shot twice and
left for dead.
He says he was shot twice and
left for dead.
Hiding in the roof, Ayas says he
watched as some of the men were
killed in the courtyard.
AYAS:
NARRATOR:In all, eight
witnesses told us thst Sergeant
Ba Kyaw participated in the
witnesses told us thst Sergeant
Ba Kyaw participated in the
killings.
Ba Kyaw participated in the
killings.
He's also been named in other
killings.
He's also been named in other
news and human rights reports.
He's also been named in other
news and human rights reports.
We weren't able to speak to Ba
news and human rights reports.
We weren't able to speak to Ba
Kyaw and the Myanmar military
We weren't able to speak to Ba
Kyaw and the Myanmar military
wouldn't respond to the
Kyaw and the Myanmar military
wouldn't respond to the
allegations against him.
wouldn't respond to the
allegations against him.
They insist their troops did not
allegations against him.
They insist their troops did not
harm civilians.
They insist their troops did not
harm civilians.
But survivors estimate at
harm civilians.
But survivors estimate at
least 80 people were executed
But survivors estimate at
least 80 people were executed
in the courtyard alone.
BEGUM (crying):
NARRATOR: Aisha says that her
husband and three of her
children were among them.
BEGUM:
NARRATOR: The Myanmar
military says that it was
conducting a "clearance
military says that it was
conducting a "clearance
operation" to rid Rakhine of
conducting a "clearance
operation" to rid Rakhine of
terrorists.
operation" to rid Rakhine of
terrorists.
But video shot at the scene
terrorists.
But video shot at the scene
supports eyewitness claims that
But video shot at the scene
supports eyewitness claims that
many civilians were killed.
(man speaking foreign language)
NARRATOR: Nurul Hakim went
back to Monu Para with a camera
once the soldiers had left,
back to Monu Para with a camera
once the soldiers had left,
risking his life.
once the soldiers had left,
risking his life.
His footage is dated August 28,
risking his life.
His footage is dated August 28,
one day after the killings.
This is the first time he's been
interviewed.
HAKIM:
NARRATOR: Nurul and other
witnesses told us more than 100
people were killed throughout
witnesses told us more than 100
people were killed throughout
the village-- a number that is
people were killed throughout
the village-- a number that is
consistent with subsequent
the village-- a number that is
consistent with subsequent
investigations by human rights
consistent with subsequent
investigations by human rights
groups.
HAKIM:
NARRATOR: Nurul also found
body parts.
HAKIM:
NARRATOR: Elsewhere in the
village, he filmed the body of a
boy who appears to have been
village, he filmed the body of a
boy who appears to have been
shot in the head.
HAKIM (crying):
NARRATOR: In another part of
Monu Para, a villager filmed a
body being dug up.
Monu Para, a villager filmed a
body being dug up.
The wounds are still fresh.
body being dug up.
The wounds are still fresh.
Hmmm.
The wounds are still fresh.
Hmmm.
WILLIAMS: The dead man, do
Hmmm.
WILLIAMS: The dead man, do
you know who this is?
AYAS:
NARRATOR: Ayas says he had
seen this man alive in the
courtyard before the army's
seen this man alive in the
courtyard before the army's
executions began.
courtyard before the army's
executions began.
WILLIAMS: How old was he?
AYAS:
NARRATOR: By now, the Myanmar
military's campaign had spread
across the whole of northern
military's campaign had spread
across the whole of northern
Rakhine.
across the whole of northern
Rakhine.
Over the next few days, dozens
Rakhine.
Over the next few days, dozens
of Rohingya villages were
Over the next few days, dozens
of Rohingya villages were
attacked and burned to the
of Rohingya villages were
attacked and burned to the
ground.
attacked and burned to the
ground.
On August 27, members of the
ground.
On August 27, members of the
33rd Light Infantry Division
On August 27, members of the
33rd Light Infantry Division
moved into the village of Chut
33rd Light Infantry Division
moved into the village of Chut
Pyin.
REPORTER:
NARRATOR: A Myanmar TV
network broadcast this report
that same day.
REPORTER:
NARRATOR: But the footage
filmed by Rohingya activists
tells a different story.
filmed by Rohingya activists
tells a different story.
Sabo was filming in the nearby
tells a different story.
Sabo was filming in the nearby
village of Ah Tet Nan Ya as
Sabo was filming in the nearby
village of Ah Tet Nan Ya as
survivors from Chut Pyin
village of Ah Tet Nan Ya as
survivors from Chut Pyin
streamed in.
SABO:
(conversing):
NARRATOR: He filmed dozens of
wounded men, women and children,
many of them shot in the back as
wounded men, women and children,
many of them shot in the back as
they fled.
many of them shot in the back as
they fled.
We tracked down some of the
they fled.
We tracked down some of the
survivors seen in Sabo's
We tracked down some of the
survivors seen in Sabo's
footage, who all independently
survivors seen in Sabo's
footage, who all independently
recounted how the military
footage, who all independently
recounted how the military
attacked civilians.
JAHIN HUSSEIN:
NARRATOR: The video shows a
villager named Jahin Hussein
and his niece, Jamila Khatun.
villager named Jahin Hussein
and his niece, Jamila Khatun.
She's 16 years old and has been
and his niece, Jamila Khatun.
She's 16 years old and has been
shot in the back.
JAHIN HUSSEIN:
NARRATOR: We found them in
the refugee camps in Bangladesh.
JAHIN HUSSEIN:
KHATUN:
NUR BEGUM (crying):
NARRATOR: Nur Begum says that
when the women tried to fight
back, a soldier shot one of them
when the women tried to fight
back, a soldier shot one of them
dead.
NUR BEGUM:
(crying)
NARRATOR: Multiple survivors
from Chut Pyin told us the
soldiers engaged in mass rape in
from Chut Pyin told us the
soldiers engaged in mass rape in
the village.
Among the survivors filmed by
Sabo was village leader and
medic Rashan Ali.
ALI:
NARRATOR: He says he did what
he could to treat the
victims.
ALI:
NARRATOR: He said many of
the rape victims were children.
ALI:
NARRATOR: As the soldiers
swept through Chut Pyin, nine-
year-old Arefa Khatum
swept through Chut Pyin, nine-
year-old Arefa Khatum
was hiding at school.
AREFA:
NARRATOR: When the soldiers
reached the school, Arefa says
she was shot through the leg.
reached the school, Arefa says
she was shot through the leg.
The bullet shattered her bones.
AREFA:
NARRATOR: What happened next
is horrific.
Arefa's mother, Rashida Khatum,
is horrific.
Arefa's mother, Rashida Khatum,
says she and her son were
Arefa's mother, Rashida Khatum,
says she and her son were
rounded up by soldiers with a
says she and her son were
rounded up by soldiers with a
large group of women and
rounded up by soldiers with a
large group of women and
children.
RASHIDA KHATUM:
NARRATOR: Rashida says the
soldiers dragged the children
and babies to nearby burning
soldiers dragged the children
and babies to nearby burning
houses.
and babies to nearby burning
houses.
(fire crackling)
houses.
(fire crackling)
She says they then threw them
(fire crackling)
She says they then threw them
into the flames alive.
RASHIDA KHATUM:
NARRATOR: Rashida says she
saved her own son by hiding
him under her shawl.
60-year-old Umul Kulsum says her
grandson and her granddaughter
were ripped from her arms.
KULSUM:
NARRATOR: Ahmed Hussain, one
of the village leaders, is
compiling a record of everything
of the village leaders, is
compiling a record of everything
that happened in Chut Pyin.
HUSSAIN:
NARRATOR: He showed us where
the women were held with their
children.
HUSSAIN:
NARRATOR: Ahmed is collecting
the names of all the missing.
So far he's identified 358
the names of all the missing.
So far he's identified 358
people that he believes were
So far he's identified 358
people that he believes were
killed in the attack.
people that he believes were
killed in the attack.
We asked him how many of the
killed in the attack.
We asked him how many of the
dead were children.
HUSSAIN:
NARRATOR: By early September
2017, an exodus was underway.
In a single month, around half a
2017, an exodus was underway.
In a single month, around half a
million refugees crossed the
In a single month, around half a
million refugees crossed the
border into Bangladesh.
million refugees crossed the
border into Bangladesh.
It was only now that the
border into Bangladesh.
It was only now that the
Rohingya crisis became world
It was only now that the
Rohingya crisis became world
news.
Rohingya crisis became world
news.
Under international pressure,
news.
Under international pressure,
the Myanmar military would
Under international pressure,
the Myanmar military would
eventually conduct an internal
the Myanmar military would
eventually conduct an internal
investigation.
eventually conduct an internal
investigation.
It concluded there was no rape,
investigation.
It concluded there was no rape,
no burning, and no killing of
It concluded there was no rape,
no burning, and no killing of
civilians by its soldiers.
no burning, and no killing of
civilians by its soldiers.
They maintain that the campaign
civilians by its soldiers.
They maintain that the campaign
was a counter-insurgency
They maintain that the campaign
was a counter-insurgency
"clearance operation" against
was a counter-insurgency
"clearance operation" against
"Bengali terrorists."
Rubbish.
I mean, this is not
I mean, this is not
counter-insurgency.
counter-insurgency.
Counter-insurgency means you go
Counter-insurgency means you go
after the specific units that
after the specific units that
are involved, but rounding up
are involved, but rounding up
civilians, burning their houses,
civilians, burning their houses,
slicing the throats of children,
slicing the throats of children,
raping pregnant women, and then
raping pregnant women, and then
disemboweling them-- I mean,
disemboweling them-- I mean,
how on Earth is that counter-
how on Earth is that counter-
insurgency?
insurgency?
These were not sporadic acts.
These were not sporadic acts.
These were well-organized,
These were well-organized,
well-thought-through.
well-thought-through.
Clearly, it didn't seem to be an
Clearly, it didn't seem to be an
operation that was put together
operation that was put together
at the last moment.
There is some design to this.
This was a textbook case of
ethnic cleansing.
NARRATOR: As more survivors
were reaching Bangladesh, the
accounts of atrocities mounted.
The worst-known massacre of all
happened in the village of Tula
Toli.
happened in the village of Tula
Toli.
When soldiers attacked from the
Toli.
When soldiers attacked from the
north, hundreds of Rohingyas
When soldiers attacked from the
north, hundreds of Rohingyas
fled eastward, but were
north, hundreds of Rohingyas
fled eastward, but were
trapped by a bend in the river.
MAN:
NARRATOR: Survivors we
interviewed told us this video
was filmed downstream from
interviewed told us this video
was filmed downstream from
Tula Toli.
was filmed downstream from
Tula Toli.
It shows the bodies of children
Tula Toli.
It shows the bodies of children
and babies being recovered from
It shows the bodies of children
and babies being recovered from
the river.
MAN:
NARRATOR: The survivors
from Tula Toli recognized
some of the bodies
from Tula Toli recognized
some of the bodies
in the video.
MUMTAZ BEGUM:
NARRATOR: Mumtaz Begum says
soldiers took her to a house
soldiers took her to a house
with her only surviving
with her only surviving
daughter, Razeya.
NARRATOR: She says when the
soldiers had finished, they
locked the women inside the
soldiers had finished, they
locked the women inside the
house.
RAZEYA:
MUMTAZ:
MAN:
NARRATOR: Survivors from Tula
Toli streamed across the river
trying to escape.
Toli streamed across the river
trying to escape.
Witnesses told us that over a
trying to escape.
Witnesses told us that over a
thousand people were killed in
Witnesses told us that over a
thousand people were killed in
the village, a number
thousand people were killed in
the village, a number
consistent with reports from
the village, a number
consistent with reports from
other journalists and human
consistent with reports from
other journalists and human
rights groups.
other journalists and human
rights groups.
(crying)
NARRATOR: Mumtaz says she
managed to escape the burning
house with her daughter.
managed to escape the burning
house with her daughter.
As she fled, she found her
house with her daughter.
As she fled, she found her
wounded son lying nearby.
MUMTAZ:
(weeping)
The security forces have been
instructed to exercise all due
restraint and to take full
instructed to exercise all due
restraint and to take full
measures to avoid collateral
restraint and to take full
measures to avoid collateral
damage and the harming of
measures to avoid collateral
damage and the harming of
innocent civilians.
damage and the harming of
innocent civilians.
NARRATOR: Three weeks after
innocent civilians.
NARRATOR: Three weeks after
the campaign began, Aung San Suu
NARRATOR: Three weeks after
the campaign began, Aung San Suu
Kyi defended the military and
the campaign began, Aung San Suu
Kyi defended the military and
claimed that operations in
Kyi defended the military and
claimed that operations in
northern Rakhine had finished.
claimed that operations in
northern Rakhine had finished.
There have been no conflicts
northern Rakhine had finished.
There have been no conflicts
since the fifth of September and
There have been no conflicts
since the fifth of September and
no clearance operations.
since the fifth of September and
no clearance operations.
NARRATOR: But even as she
no clearance operations.
NARRATOR: But even as she
spoke, the destruction
NARRATOR: But even as she
spoke, the destruction
continued.
spoke, the destruction
continued.
Satellite imagery shows that in
continued.
Satellite imagery shows that in
the weeks after September 5,
Satellite imagery shows that in
the weeks after September 5,
numerous Rohingya villages were
the weeks after September 5,
numerous Rohingya villages were
burned to the
numerous Rohingya villages were
burned to the
ground.
We tried to get access to
northern Rakhine, but the
We tried to get access to
northern Rakhine, but the
Myanmar military refused our
northern Rakhine, but the
Myanmar military refused our
request.
WILLIAMS: For weeks we've
been trying to talk to somebody
from the government or the army
been trying to talk to somebody
from the government or the army
about what they think is
from the government or the army
about what they think is
happening in Rakhine State.
We've written to the home
minister, the minister for
minister, the minister for
border affairs, the three senior
border affairs, the three senior
generals who have been appointed
generals who have been appointed
to liaise with the media.
The state councilor, Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi, and even the
commander-in-chief of the armed
San Suu Kyi, and even the
commander-in-chief of the armed
forces, General Min Aung Hlaing
commander-in-chief of the armed
forces, General Min Aung Hlaing
himself.
forces, General Min Aung Hlaing
himself.
None of the them will see us.
himself.
None of the them will see us.
Only one junior minister will
None of the them will see us.
Only one junior minister will
grant us an interview.
NARRATOR: Win Myat Aye is the
minister for social welfare,
relief, and resettlement.
minister for social welfare,
relief, and resettlement.
The interview was
relief, and resettlement.
The interview was
monitored by other
The interview was
monitored by other
officials.
monitored by other
officials.
WILLIAMS: Why did the
officials.
WILLIAMS: Why did the
Rohingyas leave Myanmar?
WILLIAMS: Why did the
Rohingyas leave Myanmar?
Why did they-- why did so many
Rohingyas leave Myanmar?
Why did they-- why did so many
Rohingya people leave?
Why did they-- why did so many
Rohingya people leave?
They say there was violent
Rohingya people leave?
They say there was violent
attacks by the military.
They say there was violent
attacks by the military.
No, it's not true, the 100%.
attacks by the military.
No, it's not true, the 100%.
And I mean that, 100%.
No, it's not true, the 100%.
And I mean that, 100%.
Because of the conflict between
And I mean that, 100%.
Because of the conflict between
the two communities and because
Because of the conflict between
the two communities and because
of the terrorist attack, there
the two communities and because
of the terrorist attack, there
is the cleansing operation.
of the terrorist attack, there
is the cleansing operation.
They fear for that.
is the cleansing operation.
They fear for that.
Cleansing operation for the
They fear for that.
Cleansing operation for the
terrorists.
Cleansing operation for the
terrorists.
WILLIAMS: They say that the
terrorists.
WILLIAMS: They say that the
army went into hundreds of
WILLIAMS: They say that the
army went into hundreds of
villages shooting men, women,
army went into hundreds of
villages shooting men, women,
and children, and raping women,
villages shooting men, women,
and children, and raping women,
and burning the houses-- why do
and children, and raping women,
and burning the houses-- why do
you think the army used such
and burning the houses-- why do
you think the army used such
force in this way?
you think the army used such
force in this way?
So I, I don't think so.
force in this way?
So I, I don't think so.
They are-- we are-- as you know,
So I, I don't think so.
They are-- we are-- as you know,
I already have said about you, I
They are-- we are-- as you know,
I already have said about you, I
don't know-- I know only about
I already have said about you, I
don't know-- I know only about
my duty and my responsibility.
don't know-- I know only about
my duty and my responsibility.
It's beyond my capacity.
my duty and my responsibility.
It's beyond my capacity.
NARRATOR: He repeatedly said
It's beyond my capacity.
NARRATOR: He repeatedly said
he was not familiar with the
NARRATOR: He repeatedly said
he was not familiar with the
military operation.
he was not familiar with the
military operation.
But state media shows the
military operation.
But state media shows the
minister in Rakhine State with
But state media shows the
minister in Rakhine State with
the army on August 27, at the
minister in Rakhine State with
the army on August 27, at the
height of the army's campaign.
the army on August 27, at the
height of the army's campaign.
Myanmar's commander-in-chief is
height of the army's campaign.
Myanmar's commander-in-chief is
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Myanmar's commander-in-chief is
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
He has stated publicly that the
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
He has stated publicly that the
country "has no Rohingya race"
He has stated publicly that the
country "has no Rohingya race"
and referred to the campaign in
country "has no Rohingya race"
and referred to the campaign in
northern Rakhine as "unfinished
and referred to the campaign in
northern Rakhine as "unfinished
business" against Bengali
northern Rakhine as "unfinished
business" against Bengali
immigrants.
HLAING:
He said it was unfinished
business, they were carrying out
an unfinished business.
business, they were carrying out
an unfinished business.
It indicates the military had a
an unfinished business.
It indicates the military had a
plan to wipe out this whole
It indicates the military had a
plan to wipe out this whole
population.
WILLIAMS: But in human rights
language, what actually is it?
language, what actually is it?
Hallmarks of genocide.
Hallmarks of genocide.
Hallmarks of genocide.
You don't embark on something
like this, knowing that on this
scale there is going to be an
like this, knowing that on this
scale there is going to be an
international response, without
scale there is going to be an
international response, without
the orders coming from the top
international response, without
the orders coming from the top
of the military chain of
the orders coming from the top
of the military chain of
command.
of the military chain of
command.
So I suspect that Min Aung
command.
So I suspect that Min Aung
Hlaing was very much in the know
So I suspect that Min Aung
Hlaing was very much in the know
about this.
It wouldn't surprise me in the
least if a court subsequently
least if a court subsequently
were to make a determination
were to make a determination
that acts of genocide have been
that acts of genocide have been
perpetrated, it wouldn't
perpetrated, it wouldn't
surprise me in the least.
NARRATOR: The U.S.
State Department has launched
an investigation into alleged
State Department has launched
an investigation into alleged
atrocities against the
an investigation into alleged
atrocities against the
Rohingyas; collecting evidence
atrocities against the
Rohingyas; collecting evidence
that it says could one day be
Rohingyas; collecting evidence
that it says could one day be
used to prosecute the military
that it says could one day be
used to prosecute the military
for crimes against humanity.
But despite the death toll and
humanitarian crisis, there
have been no major efforts
humanitarian crisis, there
have been no major efforts
by the U.S. or other
have been no major efforts
by the U.S. or other
countries to sanction Myanmar.
by the U.S. or other
countries to sanction Myanmar.
Aung San Suu Kyi has continued
countries to sanction Myanmar.
Aung San Suu Kyi has continued
to defend her country from
Aung San Suu Kyi has continued
to defend her country from
international criticism.
In January, she met with Bill
Richardson, former U.S.
ambassador to the United
Richardson, former U.S.
ambassador to the United
Nations.
ambassador to the United
Nations.
The two were old friends.
Nations.
The two were old friends.
I said, "Look, friends are
The two were old friends.
I said, "Look, friends are
real friends if they give frank
I said, "Look, friends are
real friends if they give frank
advice.
real friends if they give frank
advice.
Let the U.N. in.
Don't condemn human rights
groups that don't agree with
groups that don't agree with
you."
you."
And I said, "Look.
And I said, "Look.
My own government, the secretary
My own government, the secretary
of state, says it's ethnic
of state, says it's ethnic
cleansing.
And she exploded-- she said,
"Bill, you've got an agenda.
There's terrorism with some of
"Bill, you've got an agenda.
There's terrorism with some of
the Rohingyas."
There's terrorism with some of
the Rohingyas."
That's when we had a huge
the Rohingyas."
That's when we had a huge
altercation.
That's when we had a huge
altercation.
I thought if we were closer, she
altercation.
I thought if we were closer, she
would hit me.
I thought if we were closer, she
would hit me.
I could see the anger in her
would hit me.
I could see the anger in her
face.
I could see the anger in her
face.
It was obvious she saw the
face.
It was obvious she saw the
Rohingyas as not part of
It was obvious she saw the
Rohingyas as not part of
Myanmar.
Rohingyas as not part of
Myanmar.
That's when I realized she had
Myanmar.
That's when I realized she had
changed.
That's when I realized she had
changed.
changed.
She had gone from a human rights
She had gone from a human rights
heroine, a beacon of democracy,
She had gone from a human rights
heroine, a beacon of democracy,
to a politician wanting to cater
heroine, a beacon of democracy,
to a politician wanting to cater
to the military.
to a politician wanting to cater
to the military.
Wanting the military to support
to the military.
Wanting the military to support
her.
Wanting the military to support
her.
She wants to get re-elected.
her.
She wants to get re-elected.
She likes this seat of power.
She wants to get re-elected.
She likes this seat of power.
That's not the Aung San Suu Kyi
She likes this seat of power.
That's not the Aung San Suu Kyi
I remember.
That's not the Aung San Suu Kyi
I remember.
She is walling herself off from
I remember.
She is walling herself off from
reality.
She is walling herself off from
reality.
reality.
NARRATOR: Late last month,
NARRATOR: Late last month,
Aung San Suu Kyi invited a UN
NARRATOR: Late last month,
Aung San Suu Kyi invited a UN
delegation to Rakhine State.
Aung San Suu Kyi invited a UN
delegation to Rakhine State.
Her government is now vowing to
delegation to Rakhine State.
Her government is now vowing to
help refugees return to Myanmar.
Her government is now vowing to
help refugees return to Myanmar.
But in the camps, the Rohingyas
help refugees return to Myanmar.
But in the camps, the Rohingyas
are wary.
14-year-old Abdulsalam Ullah is
from the village of Chut Pyin.
He is haunted by what he saw
from the village of Chut Pyin.
He is haunted by what he saw
there.
ABDULSALAM ULLAH:
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